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Powerhouse Jury Convenes for AR Foundation and Casino Plus ‘Hero For All’ Awards
The Hero For All Campaign, spearheaded by Casino Plus and the AR Foundation led by Alden Richards, reached a major milestone as its distinguished jury panel gathered in Bonifacio Global City for the program’s final deliberations.
The initiative aims to recognize ordinary Filipinos whose extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and service have made a meaningful impact on their communities. At its core is a simple belief: heroism is not defined by status or recognition, but by selfless actions that inspire hope and create positive change.
“Through this initiative, we hope to honor their stories and remind Filipinos that even small acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact when hope is needed most,” said Alden Richards, founder of the AR Foundation and Lead Advocate of Casino Plus.
“Heroism is not limited to fame, power, or prominent positions in society. In a world where many people are quietly struggling, stories of ordinary individuals performing extraordinary acts of kindness, sacrifice, and service help restore hope and inspire others.”
To ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, the program assembled a respected panel of leaders from media, education, civil society, and government. The jury includes Joy Flavier-Alampay, Director of the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute of the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation; Tina Arceo-Dumlao, Business Features Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Ma. Teresa Habitan, Vice Chancellor of the Philippine Tax Academy; Daniel Cecilio, Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations of PAGCOR; and Alden Richards. Ramon P. Tuazon, Secretary General of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, also participated during the initial stages of deliberation.
Since its launch on April 9, 2026, the campaign has received hundreds of nominations submitted through social media, the Casino Plus website, non-government organizations, and local government units. Nominees were evaluated based on documented acts of heroism or meaningful community contributions made within the last five years, supported by materials such as photographs, videos, testimonials, and published reports.
Following a comprehensive screening process, shortlisted candidates advanced to the final deliberation stage, where jurors independently assessed each nominee using a standardized evaluation framework before engaging in collective discussions.
Reflecting on the quality of the nominations, Joy Flavier-Alampay said, “All those nominated have shown extraordinary goodness—not because they were asked to, but because it came naturally from the goodness of their hearts. We all need heroes in our lives. Being part of this jury has inspired all of us, and we leave carrying a piece of every story we encountered.”
For Ma. Teresa Habitan, the nominees demonstrated compassion through action rather than words.
“What really stands out is how they went out of themselves to help others—compassion that is not just spoken, but acted upon,” she said.
Daniel Cecilio emphasized the values that define a true Hero For All recipient.
“A Hero For All embodies selflessness, courage, inclusivity, and lasting impact. These qualities must be demonstrated consistently. Yun ang kailangan,” he said.
Unlike recognition programs driven by popularity or public voting, Hero For All prioritizes authenticity, measurable impact, and the ability of each story to inspire others to take action within their own communities. A key consideration in the selection process is what organizers call “story transferability” — the potential for a nominee’s actions to encourage similar acts of courage, generosity, and service elsewhere.
Tina Arceo-Dumlao highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, noting that the stories serve as powerful reminders of the good that continues to exist in society.
“These stories give hope that there is still so much good around us that deserves to be seen and celebrated. In today’s climate of negativity, this initiative feels especially meaningful,” she said.
The campaign will culminate in a grand awards ceremony on August 31, 2026, in celebration of National Heroes Day. Hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Pinky Webb, the event will formally recognize individuals whose contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of others and their communities.
In line with the PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus reminds the public that gaming is intended solely for entertainment and should not be viewed as a source of income or financial relief. Players are encouraged to participate responsibly and within their means, as all gaming outcomes are determined by chance and winning is never guaranteed.
By Fairy Editorial — 04 Jun 2026
